Skoda appears to have bounced back to reckoning in the Nigerian auto industry with the unveiling of two new models: the all-new Octavia and Rapid.
Its representative in Nigeria, the Skoda World, says the two models have been specially built with a lot of functional features, adding that buyers will find them irresistible.
The all-new Octavia is re-emerging as a third generation A7 family sedan, with a new design DNA, while the Rapid is coming as Skoda's first model incorporating new design language.
Specifically, the new Octavia has been designed to attract the practical, the conservative and customers in search of high technology features, according to the Head of Sales and Marketing at the Skoda World, Stallion Motors Limited, Mr. Sanjay Rupani.
Some units of the new vehicles were lined up for a test ride in Lagos on Saturday.
Rupani said the new generation Octavia stood out for its unique combination of most recent technologies and new design DNA with Skoda Autos' harmonious lines of five-door body for those in search of dignified elegance.
He said the emphasis would be on delivering the prefect experience in terms of quality, aesthetics and ergonomics.
Rupani explained that the new Octavia was being positioned as the main pillar in the Skoda portfolio and a logical part of the firm's 'Growth Strategy 2018.'
"This will significantly strengthen the brand's position in the A segment around the world including Nigeria," he said.
He noted that the Skoda, which had been a success in the markets of Eastern Europe and Asia, was currently making efforts to compete with established competitions in other markets.
Rupani said the Octavia was targeted at customers who desired a spacious interior, timeless design and value for money in a functional car.
"It is only logical that most owners of previous generation Octavia (A5) will soon start to think of buying a new car," he said.
He was convinced the new generation Skoda would inspire a positive change in the way the brand is perceived.
Mounted on Volkswagen's MQB platform similar to VW Golf and Audi A3, the new Octavia is to henceforth have independent suspension at all four corners (Macpherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear.)
Skoda offers the new Octavia in a variety of eight engines, only the 1.8 TSI model generating 132kw/180 bhp turbo petrol engine will at the moment be available in the local market, according to the firm.
The vehicle's weight has been significantly reduced due to the adoption of higher tensile strength metals in the car's construction with some models shedding as much as 102kg of weight.
By also pushing the front wheels forward, Skoda has managed to improve interior space significantly, claiming class-leading rear seat headroom of 980mm with ample knee and leg room for rear seat passengers as well as scads of headroom.
"It is no exaggeration that the new Octavia is indeed a roomy car," Rupani said.
It has received a five-star NCAP safety rating with options of up to nine airbags – up from six, implying a stronger passenger cell plus collision avoidance and automatic braking systems.
Its other safety features are anti-lock braking and electronic stability control along with radar based cruise control, whose sensor can automatically brake the car as part of a pre-crash braking system.
Its price is given as N3.9m.
